OA18419A

OA18419A - Vaporizer for vaporizing an active ingredient.

Info

Publication number: OA18419A
Application number: OA1201700373
Authority: OA
Inventors: Yossef Raichman
Original assignee: Yossef Raichman
Priority date: 2015-03-19
Filing date: 2016-03-17
Publication date: 2018-11-02

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer (20) that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a material (82). In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by with-holding causing further temperature increase of the material. The first temperature is less than 9 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is receive at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.

Description

Titre: Vaporizerfor vaporizing an active ingrédient.

Abrégé :

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer (20) that vaporizes at least one active ingrédient of a material (82). In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the température of the material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the température of the material is at a first température, the first heating step is terminated, by with-holding causing further température increase of the material. The first température is less than 9 percent of the vaporization température of the active ingrédient. Subsequently, a second input is receive at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the material is heated to the vaporization température, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.

Ο.Α.Ρ.Ι. - B.P. 887, YAOUNDE (Cameroun) - Tel. (237) 222 20 57 00-Site web: http:/www.oapi.int - Email: oapi@oapi.int

VAPORIZER FOR VAPORIZING AN ACTIVE INGREDIENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The présent application claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of US Patent Application 14/662,607 to Raichman, filed March 19, 2015, entitled Vaporizer for vaporizing an active ingrédient.

The above-referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Some applications of the présent invention generally relate to medical apparatus. Specifically, some applications of the présent invention relate to vaporizers for the delivery of an active ingrédient to a subject.

BACKGROUND .

Medical use of cannabis and its constituent cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), has a long history. In modem times, cannabis is used by patients suffering from AIDS, or undergoing chemotherapy treatment, in order to relieve nausea and vomiting associated with their conditions. Cannabis is also used in a médicinal manner in order to provide pain relief, to treat muscle spasticity, and to stimulate appetite.

Médicinal cannabis can be administered using a variety of methods, including vaporizing or smoking dried buds, eating extracts, taking capsules or using oral sprays. The legality of medical use of cannabis varies intemationally. However, even in countries in which the medical use of cannabis is legal, the provision of cannabis to such users is highly regulated, and it is the case that in almost ail Western countries, recreational use of cannabis is illégal.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with some applications of the présent invention, a vaporizer is used to vaporize the active ingrédient of a material, such as a plant material, by heating the material. For example, the vaporizer may be used to vaporize the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD)). Alternatively or additionally, the vaporizer may be used to vaporize tobacco, and/or other plant or chemical substances that contain an active ingrédient that becomes vaporized upon the substance being heated.

Typically, the vaporizer houses a plurality of capsules, each of the capsules including a given amount of a plant material that contains an active ingrédient. For some applications, the vaporizer is shaped to define first and second réceptacles, each of which is shaped to house the plurality of capsules in stacked configurations. While each of the capsules is disposed at a vaporization location within the vaporizer, a heating element causes the active ingrédient of the plant material within the capsule to become at least partially vaporized by individually heating the capsule. For some applications, the heating element includes one or more électrodes that heat the capsule via résistive heating, by driving a current into a portion of the capsule (é.g., into a metallic mesh of the capsule), or driving a current into an internai heating element that is housed within the vaporizer. Typically, a capsule-transfer mechanism of the vaporizer individually transfers each of the capsules from the first réceptacle to the vaporization location and from the vaporization location to the second réceptacle.

For some applications, a two step heating process is appiied to the plant material, as follows. In response to receiving a first input at the vaporizer, a first heating step is initiated. The first heating step is terminated, and further heating of the plant material is withheld, in response to detecting an indication that the température of the plant material has reached a first température that is typically less than 95 percent of a vaporization température of the active ingrédient. Subsequently, in response to receiving a second input at the vaporizer (e.g., in response to detecting that a user is inhaling from the vaporizer, or in response to the user pressing a button) the plant material is heated to the vaporization température of the active ingrédient, in a second heating step.

Typically, the first heating step is performed at a faster heating rate than the second heating step.

For some applications, by performing the heating in the two-stage process as described, one or more of the following results are achieved:

1) By withholding the first (rapid) stage of the heating in response to the température of the capsule reaching less than 95 percent of the vaporization température, even if the heating overshoots, the plant material is not pyrolyzed, since the plant material is not heated to a température that is greater than the pyrolysis température.

2) Since the second stage of the heating is performed slowly, there is negligible overshooting in the second stage of the heating process, and therefore the plant material does not get pyrolyzed in the second stage of the heating process.

3) Since, during the first stage of the heating, the plant material has already been heated to a température that is relatively close the vaporization température, even though the second stage of the heating is slow, the time that is required to heat the plant material to the vaporization température, from the initiation of the second heating stage, is relatively short (e.g., less than two seconds).

4) Due to low heat conduction of the plant material, if the plant material is heated rapidly, this can give rise to non-uniform heating of the plant material. This can cause some portions of the plant material to be pyrolyzed, and/or other portions of the plant material not to be vaporized. By withholding further heating of the plant material after the first température has been reached, and until the second input is received, heat is able to dissipate through the plant material (during the intérim period between the first and second heating stages) before any portion of the plant material has been heated to the vaporization température. Furthermore, since the température increase during the second stage is relatively small, the température increase is able to dissipate through the plant material relatively quickly. Thus, relatively uniform heating of the plant material is achieved, such that most of the active ingrédient within the plant material is vaporized, while there is substantially no pyrolysis of the plant material.

It is noted that some applications of the présent invention are described with reference to a plant material that contains an active ingrédient. However, the scope of the présent invention includes using any material or substance that contains an active ingrédient, mutatis mutandis.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention, a method for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingrédient of a material, the method including:

receiving a first input at the vaporizer;

in response to receiving the first input, heating the material, in a first heating step; detecting an indication of a température of the material;

in response to detecting an indication that the température of the material is at a first température, terminating the first heating step, by withholding causing further température increase of the material, the first température being less than 95 percent of a vaporization température of the active ingrédient;

subsequently, receiving a second input at the vaporizer; and in response to receiving the second input, heating the material to the vaporization température of the active ingrédient, in a second heating step.

For some applications, detecting the indication of the température of the material includes detecting the indication of the température of the material using an optical température sensor.

For some applications, the method further includes generating an indication that the first heating step has terminated.

For some applications, terminating the first heating step, by withholding causing further température increase of the material includes preventing pyrolysis of the active ingrédient.

For some applications, the method further includes, subséquent to the second heating step, in response to detecting that no air has been inhaled from the vaporizer for a given time period, reducing a température of the material to below the vaporization température of the material.

For some applications, the method further includes detecting a rate of air flow through the 5 vaporizer by detecting an indication of an amount of energy required to maintain the température of the material constant.

For some applications, heating the material in the first heating step includes heating the material at a first heating rate, heating the material in the second heating step includes heating the material at a second heating rate, and the first heating rate is greater than the second heating rate.

For some applications, heating the material at the second heating rate includes heating the material at a rate of less than 50 degrees Celsius per second.

For some applications, heating the material at the rate of less than 50 degrees Celsius per second includes preventing pyrolysis of the active ingrédient.

For some applications, heating the material at the first heating rate includes heating the material 15 at a rate of more than 50 degrees Celsius per second.

For some applications, heating the material at the first heating rate includes heating the material at a rate of more than 100 degrees Celsius per second.

For some applications, heating the material at the first heating rate includes heating the material at a rate of more than 50 degrees Celsius per second.

For some applications, receiving the second input includes detecting that a user is inhaling from the vaporizer.

For some applications, detecting that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer includes detecting the indication of the température of the material.

For some applications, detecting that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer includes detecting an indication of an amount of energy required to maintain the température of the material constant.

⁵ For some applications, the material includes cannabis and terminating the first heating step includes withholding causing further température increase of the material in response to detecting an indication that the température of the material has reached a température that is less than 170 degrees Celsius.

For some applications, terminating the first heating step includes withholding causing further 10 température increase of the material in response to detecting an indication that the température of the material has reached a température that is less than 160 degrees Celsius.

For some applications, detecting the indication of the température of the material includes detecting a température of a capsule in which the material is housed.

For some applications, the capsule includes a metallic mesh, and detecting the température of the 15 capsule includes detecting electrical résistance of the mesh.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention, apparatus for use with a material that includes at least one active ingrédient, the apparatus including:

a vaporizer configured to vaporize the active ingrédient of the material, the vaporizer including:

a heating element configured to heat the material;

a température sensor configured to detect an indication of a température of the material; and control circuitry configured to:

receive a first input;

in response to receiving the first input, drive the heating element to heat the material at a first heating rate, in a first heating step;

in response to receiving, from the température sensor, an indication that the température of the material is at a first température, terminate the first heating step, by withholding causing further température increase of the material by the heating element, the first température being less than 95 percent of a vaporization température of the active ingrédient;

subsequently, receive a second input at the vaporizer; and in response to receiving the second input, drive the heating element to heat the material to the vaporization température of the active ingrédient at a second heating rate that is less than the first heating rate, in a second heating step.

For some applications, the control circuitry is configured to be removed from the vaporizer and to be coupled to a second vaporizer.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a phase-change material that is coupled to the capsule, the phase-change material being configured to undergo a phase change at a température that is below a pyrolysis température of the material.

For some applications, the capsule includes at least one hollow wire, and the phase-change material is housed inside the hollow wire.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention, apparatus including:

a vaporizer shaped to define at least first and second réceptacles, the vaporizer including:

a plurality of capsules, each of the capsules including a material that contains an active ingrédient, the first and second réceptacles each being shaped to house the plurality of capsules in stacked configurations;

a heating element configured, while each of the capsules is disposed at a vaporization location within the vaporizer, to cause the active ingrédient of the material within the capsule to become at least partially vaporized by individually heating the capsule; and a capsule-transfer mechanism configured to individually transfer each of the capsules from the first réceptacle to the vaporization location and from the vaporization location to the second réceptacle.

For some applications, the capsule-transfer mechanism includes a rotating capsule-transfer mechanism, configured to transfer the capsules by rotating.

For some applications, the first and second réceptacles and the vaporization location are linearly aligned with each other, and the capsule-transfer mechanism includes a linear capsule-transfer mechanism, configured to move each of the capsules by moving linearly.

For some applications, the heating element includes one or more électrodes configured to heat the capsules via résistive heating, by driving an electrical current into the portion of the capsule.

For some applications, each of the capsules includes one or more metallic meshes, and the one or more électrodes are configured to heat the capsules by driving the electrical current into the one or more metallic meshes of the capsule.

For some applications, a width of the vaporizer is less than 9 cm. For some applications, a depth of the vaporizer is less than 6 cm. For some applications, a height of the vaporizer is less than 20 cm.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention, a method including:

providing a vaporizer shaped to define at least first and second réceptacles, a plurality of capsules being housed in a stacked configuration inside the first réceptacle, and each of the capsules including a material that contains an active ingrédient;

using a capsule-transfer mechanism individually transferring a first one of the capsules from the first réceptacle to a vaporization location within the vaporizer;

when the first capsule is disposed at the vaporization location within the vaporizer, causing the active ingrédient within the material within the first capsule to become at least partially vaporized by individually heating the capsule; and using the capsule-transfer mechanism individually transferring the first capsule from vaporization location to the second réceptacle, the second réceptacle being configured to house a plurality of the capsules in a stacked configuration.

a vaporizer including:

at least one capsule including:

upper and lower meshes; and a given amount of a material housed between the upper and lower meshes, the material containing at least one active ingrédient; control circuitry; and first, second, third and fourth électrodes, the control circuitry being configured to vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the material by:

driving a current from the first electrode to the second electrode via the lower mesh, and driving a current from the third electrode to the fourth electrode via the upper mesh.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention, a method including:

providing a capsule that includes upper and lower meshes, and a given amount of a material housed between the upper and lower meshes, the material containing at least one active ingrédient; and vaporizing the at least one active ingrédient of the material by:

driving a current from a first electrode to a second electrode via the lower mesh, and driving a current from a third electrode to a fourth electrode via the upper mesh.

There is further provided, in accordance with some applications of the present invention, apparatus including:

a vaporizer including:

at least one capsule, the capsule including a material that contains at least one active ingrédient;

a heating element configured, to cause the active ingrédient within the material within the capsule to become at least partially vaporized by heating the capsule; and a vibrator configured to vibrate the capsule.

For some applications, the vibrator includes a vibrator selected from the group consisting of: a vibration motor, a piezo -electric crystal, a sonie vibrator, and an ultrasonic vibrator.

For some applications, the vibrator is configured to increase airflow through the capsule by vibrating the capsule.

For some applications, the vibrator is configured to mix the material within the capsule by vibrating the capsule.

For some applications, the vibrator is configured to increase a uniformity of heating of the material within the capsule by vibrating the capsule.

providing a vaporizer that includes at least one capsule, the capsule including a material that contains at least one active ingrédient;

activating a heating element within the vaporizer to cause the active ingrédient within the material to become at least partially vaporized by heating the capsule; and activating a vibrator within the vaporizer to vibrate the capsule.

a vaporizer shaped to define at least one réceptacle, the vaporizer including:

a plurality of capsules, each of the capsules including a material that contains an active ingrédient, the réceptacle being shaped to house the plurality of capsules in a stacked configuration, upon a supporting surface;

a screw, the supporting surface being threadedly coupled to the screw, such that, in response to the screw rotating in a given direction, the supporting surface is configured to push one of the capsule out of an opening of the réceptacle by the supporting surface advancing toward the opening.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a capsule-transfer mechanism configured to individually transfer each of the capsules from the opening of the réceptacle to a vaporization location at which the vaporizer is configured to vaporize the active ingrédient of the material.

There is additionally provided, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention, apparatus including:

a vaporizer including:

at least one capsule including:

at least one mesh that defines at least a portion of an outer surface of the capsule; and material housed within the capsule, the material containing at least one active ingrédient;

at least one electrode;

control circuitry configured to vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the material by driving a current into the mesh via the electrode; and an electrode-movement mechanism configured to move the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the apparatus further includes a coating disposed upon at least a portion of the outer surface of the capsule that is defined by the mesh, and the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to cause the electrode to penetrate the coating, by moving the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism includes a button configured to be pressed by a user, and the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to move the electrode with respect to the mesh in response to the user pressing the button.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism includes a hinge.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to remove a coating from the mesh by moving the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to cause the electrode to penetrate a coating on the mesh, by moving the electrode with respect to the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism is configured to slide the electrode across the outer surface of the capsule that is defined by the mesh, while the electrode is in contact with the mesh.

For some applications, the electrode is shaped to define a sharp tip.

For some applications, the electrode is shaped to define a blade.

a vaporizer configured to accommodate a mass of material that contains an active ingrédient, the vaporizer including:

a surface;

an extraction mechanism configured, in response to being activated, to extract a given volumétrie dose of the material from the mass of material and place the volumétrie dose upon the surface; and a heating element configured to vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the volumétrie dose of the material by heating the surface while the volumétrie dose is disposed upon the surface.

For some applications, the vaporizer is shaped to define at least one réceptacle that is configured to accommodate the mass of material.

For some applications, the surface includes a mesh, and the heating element includes one or more électrodes and control circuitry, the control circuitry being configured to vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the volumétrie dose of the material by driving a current into the mesh via the one or more électrodes.

For some applications, the mass of material includes a cigarette containîng the material, and the extraction mechanism includes a blade that is configured to extract the given volumétrie dose of the material from the mass of material by cutting off a portion of the cigarette.

The présent invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1A-C are schematic illustrations of respective views of the exterior of a vaporizer, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 2A-B are exploded views of the vaporizer of Figs. 1A-C, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Fig. 3A is a top view and Figs. 3B-D are respective cross-sectional views of the vaporizer of Figs. 1A-C, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 4A-D are schematic illustrations of respective views of a capsule that contains plant material that includes an active ingrédient, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of électrodes of the vaporizer in contact with a mesh of a capsule that contains plant material that includes an active ingrédient, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 6A-D are schematic illustrations of respective configurations of the électrodes of the vaporizer, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 7A-B are schematic illustration of respective views of a vaporizer that includes a linear capsule-transfer mechanism, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Fig. 8 is a graph illustratîng a technique for heating plant material using a vaporizer, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 9A-B are schematic illustrations of portions of a vaporizer, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Fig. 10A is a schematic illustration of an electrode, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 10B is a schematic illustration of an electrode-movement mechanism, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 11A-D are schematic illustrations of an electrode-movement mechanism, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 12A-B are schematic illustrations of an electrode-movement mechanism, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention;

Figs. 13A-C are schematic illustrations of a vaporizer that is configured to automatically extract a given volumétrie dose of a plant material from a mass of the plant material that is disposed in a réceptacle of the vaporizer, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention; and

Figs. 14A-C are schematic illustrations of a vaporizer that is configured to automatically extract a given volumétrie dose of a plant material from a mass of the plant material that is disposed in a réceptacle of the vaporizer, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Figs. 1A-C, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of the exterior of a vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. Typically vaporizer 20 is used to vaporize the active ingrédient of a material, such a plant material. For example, vaporizer 20 may be used to vaporize the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD)). Altematively or additionally, the vaporizer may be used to vaporize tobacco, and/or other plant or chemical substances that contain an active ingrédient that becomes vaporized upon the substance being heated. It is noted that some applications of the présent invention are described with reference to a plant material that contains an active ingrédient. However, the scope of the présent invention includes using any substance that contains an active ingrédient, mutatis mutandis.

Vaporizer 20 includes a main body 22, which houses capsules and control circuitry of the vaporizer, as described in further detail hereinbelow. The control circuitry is configured to act as a control unit, which controls the functioning of the vaporizer. Typically, the vaporizer additionally includes a top cover 24, from which a mouthpiece 26 protrudes. During use, the user typically inhales the vaporized active ingrédient via the mouthpiece.

Typically, vaporizer 20 is configured to be portable and, during use, the vaporizer is configured to be held in a single hand of a user. The dimensions of the vaporizer are typically as follows:

A height HI of main body 22 of the vaporizer (excluding mouthpiece 26) is typically more than 8 cm (e.g., more than 10 cm), and/or less than 15 cm (e.g., less than 12 cm), e.g., between 8 cm and 15 cm, or between 10 and 12 cm.

A height H2 of mouthpiece 26, is typically more than 2 cm (e.g., more than 2.5 cm), and/or less than 6 cm (e.g., less than 3.5 cm), e.g., between 2 cm and 6 cm, or between 2.5 and 3.5 cm.

Typically, the total height of the vaporizer, including the mouthpiece is less than 20 cm, e.g., less than 15 cm.

A width W1 of the vaporizer is typically more than 3 cm (e.g., more than 4 cm), and/or less than 9 cm (e.g., less than 6), e.g., between 3 cm and 9 cm, or between 4 cm and 6 cm.

A depth DI of the vaporizer is typically more than 2 cm (e.g., more than 3 cm), and/or less than 6 cm (e.g., less than 5), e.g., between 2 cm and 6 cm, or between 3 cm and 5 cm.

For some applications, a capsule-transfer wheel 28 is disposed on the outside of the top cover. The capsule-transfer wheel controls a capsule-transfer mechanism 44 (Fig. 2A).

As described in further detail hereinbelow, the capsule-transfer mechanism is configured to (a) individually transfer unused capsules from a first réceptacle 40A (Fig. 2A) within the main body of the vaporizer to a vaporization location 46 (Fig. 2A), at which the capsule is heated such as to vaporize the active ingrédient, and (b) to individually transfer used capsules from the vaporization location to a second réceptacle 40B (Fig. 2A) within the main body of the vaporizer. For some applications, the capsule-transfer mechanism is a rotatable mechanism, e.g., a rotatable dise, as shown in Fig. 2A. For some such applications, the capsule-transfer wheel is tumed by a user in order to control the rotatable capsule-transfer mechanism. Altematively or additionally, the rotatable capsule-transfer mechanism (or any other capsule-transfer mechanism described herein) is controlled by an electric motor (not shown).

For some applications, a removable back cover 30 is disposed upon main body 22 of vaporizer 20. As shown, for some applications, the back cover defînes a grill 32. Grill 32 is configured to allow airflow into the main body of the vaporizer, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

For some applications, the inner surface of mouthpiece 26 (and/or other portions of the vaporizer) includes a lipophobic or hydrophobie coating 27 that is configured to prevent products of the vaporization of the active ingrédient from sticking to the inner surface of the mouthpiece. Altematively or addîtionally, electrical charge is driven onto surfaces of the vaporizer (such as the inner surface of mouthpiece 26), such that the charge accumulâtes on the surfaces and repels products of the vaporization of the active ingrédient from the surfaces.

Reference is now made to Figs. 2A-B, which are exploded views of vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention.

Referring to Fig. 2A, typically, vaporizer 20 includes first and second réceptacles 40A and 40B, which are configured to house capsules 42, which include a plant material that contains an active ingrédient. Unused capsules are typically housed in a stacked configuration inside the first réceptacle, and used capsules are housed in a stacked configuration inside the second réceptacle.

Capsule-transfer mechanism 44 is configured to transfer the capsules from the first réceptacle to the second réceptacle. For some applications, the capsule-transfer mechanism is a rotatable capsule-transfer mechanism (e.g., a rotatable dise), as shown in Fig. 2A. Typically, the capsuletransfer mechanism is configured to (a) individually transfer unused capsules from first réceptacle 40A to vaporization location 46 at which the capsule is heated such as to vaporize the active ingrédient, and (b) to individually transfer used capsules from the vaporization location to second réceptacle 40B.

For some such applications, vaporizer 20 includes one or more heating éléments, which are configured to heat the plant material within the capsule (such as to vaporize the active ingrédient within the plant material). For some applications, électrodes 48 are configured to act as heating éléments, by heating the plant material within the capsule, by driving an electrical current into capsule 42. For some applications, capsule 42 includes one or more metallic meshes 84 (Fig. 4A). The électrodes heat the plant material by heating the one or more meshes via résistive heating, by driving a current into the one or more meshes. Altematively or addîtionally, the électrodes heat an internai heating element that is housed within the vaporizer, by driving a current into the internai heating element. Typically, the electric current that is driven is fixed, such that, for example, the heating of the capsules is not affected by variations in the degree of contact between the électrodes and the meshes of the capsules.

For some applications, a spring 49 with a pushing element 51 is disposed undemeath a portion 25 of top cover 24. The spring is configured to push the used capsules into second réceptacle 5 40B.

For some applications, a portion of capsule 42 is coated or filled with a phase-change material 47. The phase-change material is selected such as to maintain the capsule below the pyrolysis température of the plant material, and thereby prevents the plant material from being pyrolyzed.

For example, the phase-change material may undergo a solid-to-liquid phase change at a 10 température that is between the vaporization température and the pyrolysis température of the plant material, such that the phase-change material absorbs heat as latent heat of fusion at this température. For some applications, a portion of the vaporizer (e.g., vaporization location 46, réceptacle 40A and/or réceptacle 40B) is coated with phase-change material 47.

Referring now to Fig. 2B, typically, a power supply 50 (e.g., a battery) and control circuitry 52 15 are housed inside the main body of vaporizer 20. Typically, the power supply and/or the control circuitry are coupled to the main body of the vaporizer by a coupling element 53, such as an adhesive, a screw, a clip, and/or a pin. For some applications, the control circuitry is configured to drive a current into the capsule via électrodes 48, using power supplied by the power supply.

For some applications, back cover 30 is removable and reusable, and control circuitry 52, power 20 supply 50, and/or température sensor 54 are coupled to the back cover (e.g., by being housed in the back cover). Typically, for such applications, after ail of the capsules in the vaporizer hâve been vaporized, the back cover is removed, together with the components that are coupled to the back cover. The back cover and the components are then transferred and coupled to a different vaporizer that includes unused capsules.

For some applications, vaporizer 20 includes a température sensor 54 that is configured to measure an indication of the température of the plant material that is being heated, e.g., by measuring the température of the capsule that is being heated. For example, the température sensor may be an optical température sensor, such as an infrared température sensor, that is configured to measure the température of the capsule without contacting the capsule. In this manner, the infrared température sensor measures the température of the capsule, without affecting the température of the capsule by drawing heat from the capsule. For some applications, the température sensor is covered with a lipophobic or hydrophobie coating 56 that protects the température sensor from products of the vaporization being deposited upon the température sensor. For some applications, a different température sensor is used. For example, the control circuitry may detect the température of the capsule by detecting changes in the résistance of components of the capsule (e.g., mesh 84 of the capsule) using électrodes 48.

As described hereinabove, typically unused capsules are housed inside first réceptacle 40A and used capsules are housed inside réceptacle 40B. Typically, springs 58 and pushing éléments 60 are coupled to a bottom cover 62 of the vaporizer. The springs and pushing éléments are configured to maintain the stacked configurations of the capsules inside the réceptacles by pushing the capsules toward the top of the vaporizer.

Reference is now made to Figs. 3A-D. Figs. 3B-D are schematic cross- sectional views of vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. Fig. 3A is a top view of vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. Fig. 3A includes lines indicating the locations of the cross-sections that are shown, respectively, in Figs. 3B, 3C, and 3D.

Referring to Fig. 3B, for some applications, vaporizer 20 includes a vibrator 70 that is configured to vibrate capsule 42, while the capsule is being heated. During use of the vaporizer, the user inhales via mouthpiece 26. This causes air to fiow through grill 32 to the mouthpiece via the capsule, as indicated by airflow arrows 72. Due to the heating of the capsule the active ingrédient within the plant material of the capsule is vaporized and is introduced into the air that is flowing through the vaporizer. For some applications, by vibrating the capsule, the vibrator reduces blockage of air fiow through the capsule, and/or increases airflow through the capsule relative to if the capsule were not vibrated. For some applications, due the vibration of the capsule, a greater amount of the active ingrédient vaporizes and enters the airflow than if the capsule were not vibrated. Altematively or additionally, vibration of the capsule improves the distribution of heat across the capsule, and/or mixes the plant material within the capsule.

In accordance with respective application, vibrator 70 includes a vibration motor, a piezo-electric crystal, a sonie vibrator, an ultrasonic vibrator, and/or a different type of vibrator. For some applications, one or more parameters of the vibration applied by the vibrator is varied such as to increase the efficiency of the active ingrédient vaporization, to increase airflow through the capsule, to reduce air flow blockage, to improve distribution of heat across the capsule, and/or to mix the plant material within the capsule. For example, the frequency, the amplitude, and/or the direction of the vibration may be varied.

For some applications, vaporizer 20 includes a port 74 via which the vaporizer is connected to an extemal source of power and/or data input. For example, power supply 50 may be configured to be recharged by connecting the vaporizer to an extemal power source via port 74. Alternatively or additionally, control circuitry 52 may receive data, e.g., programming instructions, via port 74.

For some applications, a healthcare professional (e.g., a pharmacist or a doctor) may input instructions into the control circuitry that control the heating rate that is applied for a given amount of air flow through the capsule. By controlling the heating rate per unit air flow, the amount of the active ingrédient that is vaporized per unit airflow through the vaporizer may be controlled. Alternatively or additionally, the healthcare professional may input instructions into the control circuitry that control the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted during each use of the vaporizer, and/or the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted within a given time period (e.g., per hour, or per day). In this manner, the healthcare professional may control the dosage of the active ingrédient that the user is able to receive during each use of the vaporizer, and/or within the given time period. For some applications, the control circuitry is configured to automatically détermine the rate and/or volume of air flow through the vaporizer, as described in further detail hereinbelow.

Referring now to Fig. 3C, as shown, capsules 42 that are unused (i.e., capsules, the active ingrédient of the plant material of which has not been vaporized) are housed, in a stacked configuration (i.e., such that when the vaporizer is in an upright orientation, the capsules are arranged one above the other), inside réceptacle 40A. Used capsules are housed, in a stacked configuration, inside réceptacle 40B. As described hereinabove, for some applications, springs 58 and pushing éléments 60 are coupled to a bottom cover 62 of the vaporizer and are configured to maintain the stacked configurations of the capsules inside the réceptacles by pushing the capsules toward the top of the vaporizer. For some applications, by storing the capsules in stacked configurations, dimensions of the width and depth of vaporizer 20 may be such that the vaporizer can be comfortably held by a user (e.g., within a single hand of the user).

Spring 49 and pushing element 51 typically push the used capsules into réceptacle 40B, such that the used capsules are maintained below a plane of movement of capsule-transfer mechanism 44. In this manner, capsules that hâve been placed inside réceptacle 40B remain inside réceptacle 40B, even when the capsule-transfer mechanism is moved.

For some applications, capsules 42 hâve circular cross-sections, and réceptacles 40A and 40B define cylindrical tubes that house the capsules. Altemativeïy, capsules 42 may hâve a different shape, and réceptacles 40A and 40B may define hollow spaces that are shaped so as to conform with the shapes of the capsules.

With reference to Fig. 3D, as described hereinabove, for some applications, température sensor 54 is an optical température sensor, such as an infrared température sensor, that is configured to measure the température of the capsule without contacting the capsule. Fig. 3D shows sensor 54 receiving beams 80 of optical light from capsule 42, the capsule having been heated. Sensor 54 is configured to measure the température of capsule 42, based upon the received light.

As shown in Fig. 3D, for some applications, electrode 48 includes at least four électrodes 48A, 48B, 48C, and 48D. The plant material contained within the capsule is heated by driving a current from first electrode 48A to second electrode 48B via a lower mesh of capsule 42. Altemativeïy or addîtionally, plant material contained within the capsule is heated by driving a current from third electrode 48C to fourth electrode 48D via an upper mesh of capsule 42. For some applications, by heating the plant material in the aforementioned manner, the plant material within the capsule is heated more uniformly than if, for example, a monopolar electrode were to drive a current into a location on the upper or lower mesh. For some applications, capsule 42 includes an internai heating element (e.g., an internai mesh (not shown)), as an alternative or in addition to the upper and lower meshes. The internai heating element is configured to be heated in a similar manner to that described with reference to the upper and lower meshes.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A-D, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of capsule 42, the capsule containing plant material 82 that includes an active ingrédient, in accordance with some applications of the present invention. As described hereinabove, for some applications, the plant material is cannabis, and the active ingrédient is the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis (e.g., tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD)).

Altematively or additionally, the plant material may be tobacco, and/or other plant or chemical substances that contain an active ingrédient that becomes vaporized upon the substance being heated.

For some applications, plant material 82 is housed between upper and lower metallic meshes 84.

For some applications, each of the meshes has openings of more than 15 micron (e.g., more than 20 micron), and/or less than 80 micron (e.g., less than 50 micron), e.g., 15-60 micron, or 20-50 micron. Typically the meshes are coupled to a central portion 86 of the capsule (e.g., a central dise, as shown), the central portion defining a hole. For example, the meshes may be coupled to the central portion via an adhesive 88, such as a high-temperature-resistant glue, or double-sided 15 adhesive. Typically, the adhesive is configured such that the adhesive does not émit fumes, even when the adhesive is subjected to a high température, such as a température of greater than 200 degrees Celsius. Typically, the plant material is housed between the meshes and within the hole defined by the central portion of the capsule.

Typically, plant material 82 is ground, such that (a) the plant material is in sufficiently small 20 pièces that the material fits within the capsule, and a large surface area of the plant material is exposed to air flow through the vaporizer (b) the pièces of the plant material are sufficiently large that they do not pass through the meshes, and (c) the active ingrédient retains its potency. For some applications, the plant material is cryogenically ground and/or powderized.

For some applications, spacing éléments 90 are coupled to the outside of one or both of the 25 meshes. The spacing éléments are configured such that, when the capsules are disposed in the stacked configuration inside the vaporizer, there is a space between the upper mesh of a capsule and the lower mesh of the adjacent capsule. The spacing éléments are shaped such as to perform the aforementioned function without blocking airflow through the meshes and/or the plant material, and without interfering with the contact between électrodes 48 and meshes 84. For some applications, the spacing element is a single sided adhesive tape. For some applications, an anti-adhesive coating material is used as the spacing element. The anti-adhesive coating material is configured to prevent the unused capsules from becoming stuck to one another when the unused capsules are housed in réceptacle 40A.

For some applications, central portion 86 of capsule 42 is made of a material that has a high heat capacity and/or low heat conductivity so that it reduces heat loss from the capsule to the surrounding area and reduces heating of the surrounding area during évaporation process. For some applications, at least one of the wires of meshes 84 is hollow, and a phase-change material is disposed inside the hollow wire. The phase-change material reduces heat loss from the 10 capsule, by causing the capsule to preferentially absorb heat relative to the areas surrounding the capsule. Altematively or additionally, a phase change material is coupled to the capsule is a different manner, e.g., by coating the capsule. As described hereinabove, typically, the phasechange material is selected such as to maintain the capsule below the pyrolysis température of the plant material, and to thereby prevent the plant material from being pyrolyzed.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a schematic illustration of électrodes 48 of vaporizer 20 in contact with meshes 84 of capsule 42, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. As shown, électrodes 48 contact the meshes even when spacing éléments 90 are disposed upon the outsides of the meshes.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6A-D, which are schematic illustrations of respective 20 configurations of électrodes 48 of vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. Fig. 6A shows examples of électrodes 48A and 48B, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. As shown, for some applications, a surface 92 of the electrode acts as an electrical contact, via which electrical contact is made with a mesh of the capsule. Figs. 6B-D show examples of electrode 48B, in accordance with respective applications 25 of the présent invention. For some applications, the électrodes include contacts 94 that protrude from surface 92 of the electrode. As shown, the contact may be shaped as a fiat plate (Fig. 6B), or as a plurality of points, e.g., two points (Fig. 6C), or three points (Fig. 3D).

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A-B, which are schematic illustrations of respective views of vaporizer 20, capsule-transfer mechanism 44 of the vaporizer being a linear mechanism, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention.

As shown in Figs. 7A-B, in accordance with some applications, capsules 42 are shaped in a shape that is not circular. For example, as shown in Figs. 7A-B, the capsule may hâve a racetrack- shaped cross section. For such applications, réceptacles 40A and 40B define hollow spaces that are shaped so as to conform with the shape of the capsules.

For some applications, the top of réceptacle 40 A, the top of réceptacle 40B, and the vaporization location, at which the capsules are heated, are aligned with each other (for example, across the width of the vaporizer, as shown in Figs. 7A-B). A linear capsule-transfer mechanism 44 is configured to push unused capsules from réceptacle 40A to vaporization location 46 at which the capsule is heated, and from the vaporization location to second réceptacle 40B. For some applications, the linear capsule-transfer mechanism includes a pusher 100 that is configured to transfer the capsules in the manner described above, by the pusher being pushed axially in a given direction. For some applications, a spring 102 is coupled to the pusher, the spring being configured to apply a force to the pusher that opposes movement of the pusher in the given direction.

With reference to Fig. 7B, for some applications, a pump 200 (shown schematically in Fig. 7B) is used to control air flow through the vaporizer. For some applications, the vaporizer is shaped to define a supplementary airflow channel 201, which provides airflow out of the mouthpiece, but not via the capsule that is being vaporized. In this manner, in response to a large inhalation by the user, the vaporizer is able to provide air to the user, without increasing the dosage of the active ingrédient that is provided to the user. For some applications, a valve 203 (shown schematically in Fig. 7B) is disposed within the supplementary airflow channel and is configured to control airflow through the supplementary airflow channel.

For some applications, vaporizer 20 includes an airflow sensor, e.g., a valve 202(shown schematically in Fig. 7B). The valve is configured to measure airflow through the vaporizer. For some applications, the measured airflow is received as an input to the control circuitry, and the control circuitry varies a parameter of the heating in response to the detected airflow.

Apart from the différences described in the above paragraphe, vaporizer 20 and portions thereof shown in Figs. 7A-B are generally similar to the vaporizer and portions thereof described with reference to Figs. 1A-6D. The scope of the présent invention includes combining features of the vaporizer and portions thereof described with reference to Figs. 7A-B, with features of the vaporizer and portions thereof described with reference to Figs. 1A-6D, and vice versa.

Reference is now made to Fig. 8, which is a graph illustrating respective techniques for heating plant material using a vaporizer, such as vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. The x-axis of the graph indicates time (measured in seconds), and the yaxis indicates the température (measured in degrees Celsius) of a capsule that contains a plant material (and therefore indicates the température of the plant material within the capsule), as described herein.

As described hereinabove, for some applications, vaporizer 20 is used to vaporize active ingrédients within cannabis. Cannabis typically has a vaporization température of 180 degrees Celsius, and begins to become pyrolyzed at 220 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is typically désirable to heat the cannabis to a température of between 190 degrees Celsius and 210 degrees Celsius. The upper and lower boundaries of the desired température range to which to heat cannabis are denoted on the graph of Fig. 8, by the two solid horizontal lines at 190 degrees Celsius and 210 degrees Celsius. Further typically, it is désirable not to heat the cannabis to a température that is greater than the described température, in order to prevent pyrolysis of the cannabis. Typically, when the vaporizer is used with plant materials other than cannabis, similar considérations are applicable, although the desired température to which the plant material should be heated will vary depending on the characteristics of the plant material that is being used with the vaporizer.

One possible way of heating the plant material to the desired température is via graduai heating, as denoted by the dashed diagonal line, which shows the plant material being heated to the desired température over a period of more than 8 seconds. Another possible way to heat the plant material is via rapid heating, as denoted by the dotted curve in Fig. 8. Typically, if the plant material is heated rapidly, then initially there is an overshoot in the température to which the plant material is heated. For example, this may be because there is a time lag between when the plant material reaches the desired température and when the control circuitry detects that the 5 desired température has been reached and withholds causing further température increase of the plant material in response to the detected température. This is indicated in Fig. 8, which shows that the dotted curve initially rises above 220 degrees Celsius, before plateauing within the desired température range. Due to the overshooting, some of the plant material may become pyrolyzed.

In accordance with some applications of the présent invention, a two-stage heating process is applied to plant material within a vaporizer, e.g., as indicated by the solid curve shown in Fig. 8.

Typically, in response to receiving a first input at the vaporizer (e.g., in response to the user pressing an ON switch on the vaporizer), the control circuitry of the vaporizer initiâtes a first heating step. Typically, the first heating step is a rapid heating step (e.g., a heating step in which 15 the capsule that contains the plant material is heated at a rate of more than 50 degrees Celsius per second, or more than 100 degrees Celsius per second). Further typically, the control circuitry of the vaporizer is configured to terminate the first heating step, by withholding causing further température increase of the capsule, in response to detecting that the température of the capsule (which is indicative of the température of the plant material) has reached a first température.

Typically, the first température is less than 95 percent, e.g., less than 90 percent, or less than 80 percent, of the vaporization température of the plant material. For example, when the vaporizer is used to vaporize cannabis, the control circuitry of the vaporizer may be configured to withhold causing further température increase of the capsule, in response to detecting that the température of the capsule has reached a first température that is less than 170 degrees Celsius (e.g., less than

160 degrees Celsius), e.g., a température that is between 140 and 170 degrees Celsius, or between 150 and 160 degrees Celsius.

By configuring the control circuitry to terminate the first, rapid heating stage as described above, even if there is overshoot, and the température of the capsule rises above the température at which the first heating stage was programmed to be terminated, the température of the capsule 30 will typically still not rise above the pyrolysis température of the plant material. For example, as shown in Fig. 8, the control circuitry has been configured to withhold causing further température increase of the capsule in response to detecting that the température of the capsule has reached approximately 160 degrees

Celsius. Initially (at approximately 0.5 second), there is an overshoot, and the température of the capsule reaches approximately 180 degrees Celsius. However, the température of the capsule then reaches a plateau of approximately 160 degrees Celsius, at about 1 second. For some applications, the control circuitry of the vaporizer generates an output to the user to indicate that the first stage of the heating has terminated. For example, the control circuitry may illuminate an indicator light, may cause the vaporizer to vibrate, and/or may émit an audio signal (e.g., a beep).

Subsequently, in response to a second input to the vaporizer, the control circuitry of the vaporizer initiâtes a second heating step (shown, on the solid curve in Fig. 8, to begin at approximately 3 seconds). Typically, between the end of the first stage of the heating process, and the initiation of the second stage of the heating process, the control circuitry maintains the température of the capsule at the first température. For some applications, the second stage of the heating is initiated automatically in response to inhalation of air from the vaporizer by a user. Altematively, the second stage of the heating process may be initiated in response to a different input by the user (e.g., the user pressing the ON button a second time).

During the second heating step, the control circuitry typically heats the capsule at a slower rate than during the first stage of the heating process. For example, during the second stage of the heating process, the meshes of the capsules of the vaporizer may be heated at a rate of less than 50 degrees Celsius per second, e.g., less than 40 degrees Celsius per second. As shown in Fig. 8, during the second stage of the heating process (from 3 seconds to 5 seconds) the capsule is heated from approximately 160 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius.

In the second stage of the heating process, the control circuitry is configured to withhold causing further température increase of the capsule in response to detecting that the température of the capsule is between the vaporization température of the plant material and the pyrolysis température of the plant material. For example, when the vaporizer is used to vaporize cannabis, the control circuitry of the vaporizer is configured to withhold causing further température increase of the capsule, in response to detecting that the température of the capsule has reached a second température that is more than 180 degrees Celsius (e.g., more than 190 degrees Celsius), and/or less than 220 degrees Celsius (e.g., less than 210 degrees Celsius), e.g., a température that is between 180 and 220 degrees Celsius, or between 190 and 210 degrees Celsius.

For some applications, by performing the heating in the two-stage process described hereinabove, one or more of the following results are achieved:

1) By terminating the first (rapîd) stage of the heating în response to the température of the capsule reaching less than 95 percent of the vaporization température, even if the heating overshoots, the plant material is not pyrolyzed, since the plant material is not heated to a température that is greater than the pyrolysis température.

4) Due to low heat conduction of the plant material, if the plant material is heated rapidly, this can give rise to non-uniform heating of the plant material. This can cause portions of the plant material that are near to the heating element(s) (e.g., the electrode(s)) to be pyrolyzed, and/or portions of the plant material that are further from the heating element(s) not to be vaporized. By withholding further heating of the plant material after the first température has been reached, and until the second input is received, heat is able to dissipate through the plant material (during the intérim period between the first and second heating stages) before any portion of the plant material has been heated to the vaporization température. Furthermore, since the température increase during the second stage is relatively small, the température increase is able to dissipate through the plant material relatively quickly. Thus, relatively uniform heating of the plant material is achieved, such that most of the active ingrédient within the plant material is vaporized, while there is substantially no pyrolysis of the plant material.

For some applications, inhalation from the vaporizer by the user is automatically detected by the control circuitry. After the first stage of the heating, there is typically a large différence between 5 the ambient température and the température of the capsule that contains the plant material. As described hereinabove, between the end of the first stage of the heating process, and the initiation of the second stage of the heating process, the control circuitry maintains the température of the capsule at the first température. Since there is a large différence between the ambient température and the température of the capsule, the energy that is required to maintain the 10 capsule (and the plant material therein) at a constant température is greater when the user is inhaling from the vaporizer than when the user is not inhaling. Therefore, for some applications, the control circuitry detects that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer by detecting an indication of an amount of energy that is required to maintain the température of the capsule (and the plant material therein) constant. For example, the control circuitry may detect variations in the duty 15 cycle that is used to heat the capsule (and the plant material therein). Altematively or additionally, the control circuitry may automatically detect that the user is inhaling from the vaporizer by directly detecting the température of the capsule. Since, after the first stage of the heating, there is a large différence between the ambient température and the température of the capsule, airflow through the capsule may cause a measurable change in the température of the 20 capsule. As described hereinabove, for some applications, the second stage ofthe heating process is initiated automatically in response to detecting inhalation from the vaporizer by the user.

Using a generally similar technique to that described hereinabove, for some applications, the control circuitry detects a rate and/or volume of air flow through the vaporizer, by detecting an indication of an amount of energy that is required to maintain the température of the capsule (and 25 the plant material therein) constant. For some applications, in response to the detected rate of air flow through the vaporizer, the control circuitry calculâtes that dosage of the active substance that has been administered to the subject. As described hereinabove, for some applications, a healthcare professional may input instructions into the control circuitry that control the amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted during each use of the vaporizer, and/or the 30 amount of airflow through the vaporizer that is permitted within a given time period (e.g., per hour, or per day). Altematively or additionally, the control circuitry may control the heating rate per unit air flow, as described hereinabove.

For some applications, in response to detecting that no inhalation has occuned over a given time period (e.g., a time period of between 0.5 seconds and 3 seconds), the température of the capsule is reduced to below the vaporization température of the plant material. For example, during use of the vaporizer, the user may stop inhaling for a given time period, due to coughing, and/or due to irritation caused by the plant material. By reducing the température to below the vaporization température, wastage of the active ingrédient during this period is reduced, such that the user is able to receive the prescribed dosage of the active ingrédient.

As indicated by the solid curve in Fig. 8, between approximately 7 seconds and 9.5 seconds the control circuitry causes the température of the capsule to be lowered to below the vaporization température. This may be performed in response to detecting that no inhalation has occuned over a given time period (as described hereinabove), and/or in response to a user input (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button). From approximately 9.5 seconds to 12.5 seconds, the capsule is heated back to the vaporization température. This may be performed in response to detecting that inhalation has resumed and/or in response to a user input (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button). Between approximately 14 seconds and 16 seconds the control circuitry again causes the température of the capsule to be lowered to below the vaporization température. This may be performed in response to detecting that no inhalation has occuned over a given time period, and/or in response to a user input (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button).

Although vaporizer 20 has been described as using résistive heating of electrode(s) 48 to heat capsule 42, for some applications, alternative or additional heating éléments and heating techniques are used to heat the capsule. For example, a laser emitter may act as a heating element by directing a laser beam at the capsule, in order to heat the capsule. For some applications, a separate heating element that is housed inside the vaporizer is heated in proximity to the vaporization location, in order to provide conduction, convection, and/or radiation heating to the capsule.

For some applications, the vaporizer includes an indicator that indicates to the user how many unused capsules are housed within the vaporizer. Typically, the vaporizer is configured such that it can only be opened and/or refilled by a healthcare professional (e.g., a doctor, or a pharmacist). For some applications, rather than the vaporizer being configured to be refilled, some of the control components of the vaporizer are recyclable and are transferrable to an unused vaporizer, as described hereinabove. For some applications, the size of the capsules and/or the amount of plant material in each capsule that is to be provided to a given user may be determined by a healthcare professional. In addition, as described hereinabove, the vaporizer is typically programmable, such that only a certain dosage of the active ingrédient may be released per use or within a given time period. In this manner, if the plant material that is used inside the vaporizer is a regulated substance (e.g., cannabis), control over the use of the substance may be maintained. For some applications, the vaporizer and/or the capsules include identifying marks or tags (e.g., an RFID or a barcode), such as to facilitate régulation and control of the use of the vaporizer and the capsule.

Reference is now made to Figs. 9A-B, which are schematic illustrations of portions of vaporizer 20, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. For some applications, unused capsules 42 are stored in a stacked configuration inside réceptacle 40A, upon a supporting surface 110. Figs. 9A and 9B show the supporting surface in the absence of the walls of the réceptacle, for illustrative purposes. Fig. 9A shows the supporting surface in the absence of any capsule, and Fig. 9B shows the supporting surface with a stack of capsules disposed thereon.

Typically, a spring 112 is disposed undemeath the supporting surface. For some applications, in response to the user rotating a capsule-transfer wheel 114 in a given direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise), a screw 113, which is coupled to the capsule-transfer wheel, is rotated in the given direction. Typically, the supporting surface is (directly or indirectly) threadedly coupled to the screw. For example, as shown, supporting surface 110 may be coupled to a second surface 116 via spring 112, the second surface being directly coupled to the screw with threading. In response to the screw rotating in the given direction, the supporting surface advances toward the opening of réceptacle 40A, thereby pushing the top capsule out of the opening of the réceptacle.

It is noted that capsule-transfer wheel 114 is shaped differently from the shape of capsuletransfer wheel 28 described hereinabove. Typically, as described with respect to capsule-transfer wheel 28, capsule-transfer wheel 114 is configured to control the capsule-transfer mechanism, which, in turn, is configured to (a) individually transfer unused capsules from réceptacle 40A to vaporization location 46, at which the capsule is heated such as to vaporize the active ingrédient, and (b) to individually transfer used capsules from the vaporization location to second réceptacle 40B.

It is noted that, typically, using the mechanism shown in Figs. 9A-B results in the force with which the capsules are advanced through réceptacle 40A being substantially constant, irrespective of how full the réceptacle is. For some applications, using the mechanism shown in Figs. 9A-B, a smaller spring can be used to push the capsule out of first réceptacle 40A than is typically used with a first réceptacle configured as shown in Figs. 3C and 7B, for example. This is because, as the first réceptacle becomes emptier, supporting surface 110 advances up through the first réceptacle. By contrast, for the applications shown in Figs. 3C and 7B, for example, spring 58 must be large enough such that when the first réceptacle is relatively empty, the spring extends along most of the height of the first réceptacle and exerts pressure upon the unused capsules. Therefore, for some applications, by using the mechanism shown in Figs. 9A-B, a greater number of capsules can be accommodated within a réceptacle of a given height than would be possible if other mechanisms were used.

For some applications, it is sometimes that case that, in response to the rotation of the capsuletransfer wheel, a capsule does not exit réceptacle 40A, e.g., due to adhesion between one or more of the capsules and the walls of réceptacle 40A. For some applications, in such cases, capsuletransfer wheel 114 is further rotated. This typically increases the force that is exerted upon the stack of capsules by spring 112, thereby releasing the capsules.

Réference is now made to Figs. 10A-B, 11A-D, and 12A-B, which are schematic illustrations of électrodes 48 and mechanisms for use therewith, in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. As described hereinabove, for some applications, outer surfaces of the capsules are defined by one or more meshes. Electrodes 48 heat the plant material inside capsules 42 by heating the one or more meshes of the capsules via résistive heating, by driving a current into the one or more meshes. Typically, for such applications, a high-quality and lowresistance electrical contact between the électrodes and the meshes of the capsules is désirable. However, for some applications, a non-conductive coating develops on the surfaces of the meshes before the capsule is used. For example, this may be due to the émission of vapors by the active ingrédient in the plant material, and/or due to oxidation. For some applications, at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the meshes is covered with a soft, penetrable protective coating (such as wax). The coating reduces (e.g., prevents) development of the non-conductive coating (e.g., due to oxidation) on the surface of the mesh.

For some applications, the électrodes and mechanisms for use therewith shown in Figs. 10A-B, 11A-D, and 12A-B facilitate high-quality and low-resistance electrical contact between the électrodes and the meshes of the capsules by increasing the pressure that the électrodes exert upon the meshes relative to other possible configurations (for example, by increasing the force that the électrodes exert on the meshes, and/or by reducing the contact area between the électrodes and the meshes). For some applications, the électrodes and mechanisms for use therewith shown in Figs. 10A-B, 11A-D, and 12A-B facilitate high-quality and low-resistance electrical contact between the électrodes and the meshes of the capsules by causing the électrodes to penetrate a coating that has developed on the surfaces of the meshes, and/or a protective coating with which the surfaces of the mesh hâve been covered, as described hereinabove.

Referring now to Figs. 10A-B, for some applications, one or more of électrodes 48 hâve sharp tips. For example, as shown in Fig. 10A, the électrodes may be shaped as blades. Typically, the tips of the blades hâve a thickness of more than 0.05 mm (e.g., more than 0.1 mm), and/or less than 0.4 mm (e.g., less than 0.3 mm), e.g., between 0.05 mm and 0.4 mm, or between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

For some applications, an electrode -movement mechanism 120 is configured to move at least a portion of the électrodes with respect to a mesh of capsule 42. For example, the electrodemovement mechanism may move the électrodes doser to the mesh, and/or may move the électrodes with respect to the mesh (e.g., by sliding the électrodes across the surface of the mesh), while the électrodes are in contact with the mesh. In this manner, the électrodes typically remove at least a portion of a coating that has developed on the surface of the mesh, and/or penetrate the coating.

For some applications, the electrode-movement mechanism 120 includes springs

131, which push at least some of the électrodes toward a mesh of the capsule. The électrodes are also connected to a button 122. For some applications, the user slides the électrodes across the surface of the mesh of the capsules, while the springs are pushing the électrodes against the mesh, such as to remove the coating from the mesh. Altematively or additionally, using the button, the user pushes the électrodes downward (against the force applied to the électrodes by the spring). When the button is released, the électrodes are pushed upward with force, toward the mesh, by the springs. For some applications, the user repeatedly pushes button 122 downward, such that the springs repeatedly apply the électrodes with force against the mesh, in a pecking action.

For some applications, the upper électrodes remain stationary, and are configured to penetrate any coating on the surface of the mesh that they contact, due to the pressure that the électrodes exert upon the surface of the mesh. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 10B, the upper électrodes may penetrate any coating on the surface of the upper mesh of the capsule, due the upper mesh of the capsule being pushed against the sharp tips of the électrodes. For some applications, button 122 is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, button 122 may be configured to switch on an operating switch by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein.

Referring now to Figs. 11A-D, for some applications, electrode-movement mechanism 120 includes one or more hinges 130 and a button 132. For some such applications, électrodes 48 are shaped as described hereinabove, with reference to Fig. 10A. Fig. 11A shows the mechanism disposed within a portion of vaporizer 20, Fig. 1 IB is a three-dimensional schematic illustration ofthe mechanism in the absence of any additional portions of the vaporizer, and Figs. 11C-D show two-dimensional profiles of the mechanism, when the mechanism is, respectively, in its non-active and active configurations.

For some applications, the capsule-transfer-mechanism of the vaporizer is configured to push button 132. For example, a rotatable capsule-transfer- mechanism (as shown in Fig. 2A) may be configured to automatically press against button 132, during the course of its rotation. In response to the button being pushed, électrodes 48 pivot about the hinges 130 such that the électrodes are (a) moved closer to the mesh of the capsule (e.g., in the upward direction, in the example shown), and/or (b) moved along the mesh of the capsule (e.g., in a sliding motion) while the électrodes are in contact the with mesh. The transition of the mechanism resulting from button 132 being pushed is shown in the transition from Fig. 1 IC to Fig. 1 ID.

Referring now to Figs. 12A-B, for some applications, a different type of hinge-based electrodemovement mechanism 120 is used. In the example shown in Figs. 12A-B, in response to the user pushing a button 140 downward, a hinge 142 rotâtes, thereby causing electrode 48 to move upward toward the lower mesh of a capsule. Altemativeïy or addîtionally, a spring (not shown) is configured to push button 140 downward automatically, and the user actively releases button 140, for example, in order to release the capsule. Fig. 12A shows the mechanism disposed within a portion of vaporizer 20, and Fig. 12B is a three-dimensional schematic illustration of the mechanism in the absence of any additional portions of the vaporizer. For some applications, button 140 is addîtionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, button 140 may be configured to switch on an operating switch, by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein.

For some applications, mechanisms as described with reference to Figs. 10A-12B are used for enhancing contact between the électrodes and the mesh of a capsule. Altemativeïy or addîtionally, techniques are used in order to ensure that a proper electrical connection was made between the électrodes and the meshes of the capsule. For example, the control circuitry may measure the résistance of the mesh of the capsule, in response to current being driven into the mesh. In response to the résistance exceeding a threshold résistance, the control circuitry may détermine that there is a problem with the electrical connection between the électrodes and the meshes, and may generate an indication in response thereto. Altemativeïy or addîtionally, the control circuitry may drive a small puise of current into a mesh of the capsule and measure the résultant température increase of the capsule. In response to the température increase being lower than a threshold température, the control circuitry may détermine that there is a problem with the electrical connection between the electrode and the mesh, and may generate an indication in response thereto.

Reference is now made to Figs. 13A-C, which are schematic illustrations of a vaporizer 150 that is configured to automatically extract a given volumétrie dose of plant material 82 (which, as described hereinabove, contains an active ingrédient) from a mass of the plant material that is disposed in the vaporizer (e.g., in a réceptacle 152 of the vaporizer), in accordance with some applications of the present invention. Typically, the mass of plant material contains a plurality of 10 volumétrie doses of the plant material disposed in a single body, and is not separated into volumétrie doses (e.g., by volumétrie doses being disposed inside respective, individual capsules, as described hereinabove).

For example, as shown in Fig 13B, which shows a cross- sectional view of réceptacle 152, a cigarette 154 containing the plant material may be placed inside the réceptacle.

Vaporizer 150 typically includes an extraction mechanism 156. In response to a user activating the extraction mechanism, the extraction mechanism is configured to extract a given volumétrie dose of the plant material from the mass of plant material. For example, as shown in Figs. 13AC, the extraction mechanism may include a button 158 and a blade 160. When the button is pushed by the user, this causes the blade to rotate and to eut the volumétrie dose from the mass 20 of plant material.

With reference to Fig. 13C, for some application, when button 158 is advanced through distance XI, this imparts a force to a hinge 162 to which the blade is connected, via a spring 164. The force causes the hinge to rotate such that the blade rotâtes and cuts the volumétrie dose from the mass of plant material. In the example and orientation of the vaporizer shown in Fig. 13C, 25 advancement of the button through distance XI would cause the blade to rotate in the counterclockwise direction toward a volumetric-dose-accommodating réceptacle 166. Typically, subséquent to extracting the volumétrie dose of the plant material, the blade supports the underside of the volumétrie dose within réceptacle 166.

Further advancement of button 158 typically causes the extracted volumétrie dose to advance to a surface 168, which acts as a vaporization location as described hereinabove. A heating element is configured to vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the volumétrie dose of the plant material by heating the surface while the volumétrie dose is disposed upon the surface. Typically, surface 168 is a mesh, which is heated using control circuitry which drives a current into the mesh via one or more électrodes, as described hereinabove. For some applications, an upper mesh 170 is disposed above the extracted volumétrie dose, and is heated in a similar manner. For some applications, other techniques for heating the plant material (e.g., as described hereinabove) are used. For some applications, a sensor is used to monitor the température of the plant material. For example, an optical température sensor (e.g., an infrared température sensor) as described hereinabove may be used. For some applications, a two step process is used for heating the plant material, as described hereinabove.

While the active ingrédient is being vaporized, a user typically inhales air via an airway tube 172 and via a mouthpiece 174. The air passes through the plant material, and vapor from the vaporized plant material enters the air. For some applications, subséquent to the heating of the plant material, button 158 is further advanced. This pushes the used volumétrie dose of plant material into a waste réceptacle 176. Subsequently, button 158 is retracted (manually or automatically) to its starting position. A spring 178 then pushes the next volumétrie dose of the plant material into position to be eut by blade 160. For some applications, the spring pushes a pushing element 180 against the underside of cigarette 154, which contains the plant material.

For some applications, button 158 is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, button 158 may be configured to switch on an operating switch by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein. (It is noted that, although the control circuitry of vaporizer 150 is not shown, control circuitry such as that shown in Fig. 14A is typically housed inside the housing of vaporizer 150.)

Réference is now made to Figs. 14A-C, which are schematic illustrations of a vaporizer 182 that is configured to automatically extract a given volumétrie dose of plant material 82 from a mass ofthe plant material (e.g., cigarette 154) that is disposed in the vaporizer (e.g., in a réceptacle

183 of the vaporizer), in accordance with some applications of the présent invention. Vaporizer

182 is generally similar to vaporizer 150 described with reference to Figs. 13A-C, except for the différences described below.

Vaporizer 182 typically includes an extraction mechanism 184. In response to a user activating the extraction mechanism, the extraction mechanism is configured to extract a given volumétrie dose from the mass of plant material. For example, as shown in Figs. 14A-C, the vaporizer may include a button 185 and a blade 186. When the button is pushed by the user, this causes the blade to advance and to eut a volumétrie dose from the mass of plant material. Further pushing of the button pushes the volumétrie dose above a surface 187, which acts as a vaporization location, as described hereinabove. A heating element is configured to vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the volumétrie dose of the plant material by heating the surface while the volumétrie dose is disposed upon the surface. Typically, surface 187 is a mesh, which is heated using control circuitry 188 which drives a current into the mesh via one or more électrodes, as described hereinabove. For some applications, an upper mesh 189 is disposed above the extracted volumétrie dose, and is heated in a similar manner. For some applications, other techniques for heating the plant material (e.g., as described hereinabove) are used. For some applications, a sensor is used to monitor the température of the plant material. For example, an optical température sensor (e.g., an infrared température sensor) 190, as described hereinabove, may be used. For some applications, a two-step process is used for heating the plant material, as described hereinabove.

While the active ingrédient is being vaporized, a user typically inhales air via an airway tube 191 and via a mouthpiece 192. The air passes through the plant material and vapor from the vaporized plant material enters the air. Subséquent to the volumétrie dose being advanced to surface 187, button 185 is retracted (typically, automatically by retum spring 193) to its starting position. A spring 194 then pushes the next volumétrie dose of the plant material into position to bê eut by blade 186. For some applications the spring pushes a pushing element 195 against the underside of cigarette 154, which contains the plant material. Typically, the used volumétrie dose is removed from the surface, the next time that the vaporizer is used, by the next volumétrie dose pushing the used volumétrie dose off the surface, and into a waste réceptacle 196.

For some applications, button 185 is additionally configured to cause the vaporizer to operate by being pushed. For example, as shown button 185 may be configured to push against an operating switch 197, by being pushed, which may cause the control circuitry to heat the meshes of the capsule using techniques as described herein.

⁵ It is noted that the applications described with reference to Figs. 13A-C and 14A-C, in accordance with which a volumétrie dose of the plant material is extracted from a mass of the plant material, may be combined with any of the applications described hereinabove with reference to any one of the other figures, mutatis mutandis. For example, optical température sensing (e.g., infrared température sensing), and/or a two step heating process as described 10 hereinabove, may be used with the vaporizers shown in Figs. 13A-C and 14A-C.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the présent invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the présent invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which 15 would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

a vaporizer comprising:

at least one capsule configured to be placed at a vaporization location within the

5 vaporizer, the capsule comprising plant material containing at least one active ingrédient;

a température sensor configured to measure an indication of a température of the plant material without drawing heat from the capsule; and control circuitry configured to:

vaporize the at least one active ingrédient of the plant material by heating

10 the plant material, while the capsule is disposed at the vaporization location, and control the heating of the plant material, based upon the indication of the température of the plant material measured by the température sensor.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the température sensor comprises an optical température sensor.

15

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

detect that a user is inhaling from the vaporizer, based upon the indication of the température of the plant material measured by the température sensor, and control heating of the plant material, in response thereto.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vaporizer is shaped to define at least first 20 and second réceptacles, and the vaporizer comprises:

a pluralîty of capsules, each of the capsules comprising the plant material that contains the active ingrédient, the first and second réceptacles each being shaped to house the pluralîty of capsules in stacked configurations; and .

a capsule-transfer mechanism configured to individually transfer each of the capsules from the first réceptacle to the vaporization location and from the vaporization location to the second réceptacle.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

receive a first input;

in response to receiving the first input, heat the plant material, in a first heating step;

in response to receiving, from the température sensor, an indication that the température of the plant material is at a first température, terminate the first heating step, by withholding causing further température increase of the plant material, the first température being less than 95 percent of a vaporization température of the active ingrédient;

subsequently, receive a second input at the vaporizer; and in response to receiving the second input, heat the plant material to the vaporization température of the active ingrédient at a second heating rate that is less than the first heating rate, in a second heating step.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the control circuitry is configured to:

détermine a rate of airflow through the capsule, based upon the indication of the température of the plant material measured by the température sensor, and control heating of the plant material responsively to the determined airflow.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is configured to détermine the rate of airflow through the capsule by detecting an indication of an amount of energy required to maintain the température of the plant material constant.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control circuitry is configured, in response to receiving an indication that no air has been inhaled from the vaporizer for a given time period, to reduce the température of the plant material to below a vaporization température of the active ingrédient of the plant material.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein:

the at least one capsule comprises upper and lower meshes, the capsule being configured such that the plant material is housed between the upper and lower meshes, and the control circuitry is configured to heat the plant material by heating at least one of the 5 meshes.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the vaporizer further comprises at least one electrode configured to contact the at least one of the meshes while the capsule is disposed at the vaporization location, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to heat the at least one of the meshes via résistive heating, by driving a current into the at least one of the meshes via the at

10 least one electrode.

The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the vaporizer further comprises a heating element housed inside the vaporizer in proximity to the vaporization location, and the control circuitry is configured to heat the at least one of the meshes via conduction heating, by heating the heating element.

15 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the température sensor is configured to detect the indication of the température of the plant material by detecting electrical résistance of the at least one mesh.

13. A method for use with a vaporizer comprising:

placing at least one capsule at a vaporization location within the vaporizer, the 20 capsule including plant material containing^t least one active ingrédient;

using a température sensor, measuring an indication of a température of the plant material without drawing heat from the capsule; and using control circuitry:

vaporizing the at least one active ingrédient of the plant material by 25 heating the plant material, while the capsule is disposed at the vaporization location, and controlling the heating of the plant material, based upon the indication of the température of the plant material measured by the température sensor.

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer (20) that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a material (82). In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the material. The first temperature is less than 9 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.